Everything You Need to Know about the Marriott Texas Lazy River Pool

Houston is home to officially the coolest pool in town, Texas, the world! I mean, have you seen it?! It’s on the 6th floor of the newly opened Marriott Marquis in downtown Houston and is in the shape of Texas. If that’s not love at first sight I don’t know what is. We had the chance to check out the Marriott Parkview Terrace over the weekend. We got some rays, took some notes and documented everything you need to know about the Marriott Marquis pool. Here’s what we found out:

Getting in

Usually in order to access the pool, you have to be a guest of the hotel. Or you make an appointment with Pure spa (like we did!). The spa is open to anyone! If you arrange for a spa services of 50 minutes you’re welcome to use the Parkview Terrace aka the rooftop lazy river. At this time, you don’t need a key card to get up the elevator. The pool/spa is located on the 6th floor. When you check in at the spa, you get a wristband that allows you to access the pool. Pool attendants man the entrance and will notice if you don’t have one.

BUT THIS SUMMER, Y’ALL! Marriott Marquis has introduced Open Deck Days. The days are Monday through Thursday from now until end of September from 6 am to 11 pm. The passes start at $50. If you can take a day off or leave early from work, this is the deal for you! Unfortunately, there are no day passes on Fridays-Sundays.

Views

If you just want to check out the pool, you can do so from pretty much any floor of the building. We made a detour on our way out on the 12th floor and got some aaaaahh-mazing birds eye views. Honestly, how could you not fall in love with Houston with a view like that? The pool itself is 110 feet above street level.

Wind

Like all good bloggers millennials, we couldn’t leave the pool without a good photoshoot. The wind proved to be quite an issue. Not sure if it was the particular day we went, the height of the building, or the wind tunnel caused with all the other buildings downtown, but there were some serious gusts. Something to note if you’re planning on wearing a hat or reading a magazine and don’t want it blowing off the balcony ledge–or a dress that might flash people.

Hats by Pretty Little Things Boutique

Floats

The Marriott Marquis provides clear inner tubes to float the lazy river. You are not allowed to bring your own floats. So leave those rainbow unicorns and giant pizza slices at home. They do provide towels, so no need to pack any.

Pools

The lazy river is legit. It 530 feet of pure Texas joy including a current with little rapids, water features that spray you, as well as fountains and bridges to float under and around. In addition to the bomb ass Texas lazy river, there is a hot tub and an infinity pool! If you’re in Discovery Green, you can apparently see people swimming around as there is a glass wall that opens out onto the street. Trippy, no?

Sunshine

If you’re a sun worshipper like me, know that the pool deck has some shadows you need to work around. We went at 10:30am and most of the terrace was still in the shade. When we returned around 3pm, the sun had crossed the building and the majority of the area was now in the sun. If you need a break from the heat, you can reserve a cabana or grab a free chair under the giant shaded rooftop in the corner.

Crowds

We went on a Saturday and the pool was packed at 10:30am. We struggled to find two chairs that were both next to each other and in the sun. There was also a zillion kids running around. If you’re looking for some R&R and peace and quiet, know that the weekend probably isn’t the best time to go.

Pure Spa

If you want to check out the Pure Spa, you can get a 20% discount on all services with the code “ITSME#1” when making appointments (valid until 4/30). You’ll also get a class of champagne on arrival.

Post Spa-Day looking fabulous

Food & Drink

Marriott has a few water stations around the pool with plastic cups for water. The High Dive bar is situated on the pool deck that has some light bites. Walker Street Kitchen is also located on the first floor of the building. We went there for brunch and loved it!

Since I saw a picture of this pool in Facebook I’ve been dreaming with it😍😍I’m a visitor here in Houston and this is one of the places I must, Must take a picture in!! I can’t help but envy you guys a little bit for your trip over there😄😄. I have a question anyway, do you know if I can just go there and take a picture from any floor where I can see the pool as in your photo? And could you provide some prices of the services you got on the spa? I’m not interested in really going to the pool but I DEFINITELY need to take a picture of it before I go back home, so could you help me with done more information? Thank you, thank you, thank you 😊 💖